Strong Ties [Revised Edition]: Barclay Simpson and the Pursuit of the Common Good in Business and Philanthropy

Strong Ties is a book about Barclay Simpson, a San Francisco Bay Area philanthropist who built a successful business from nothing and became one of the major philanthropists in the area. He developed a set of company principles that placed employees at the center of his business, including broad-based, quarterly profit-sharing and employee development and education programs. He also successfully transferred his core business principles to his philanthropic work, providing major financial and in-kind support to non-profit organizations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Rare Bird Books

A captivating exploration into the remarkable life of Oakland, California native, Barclay Simpson, Strong Ties delves into the profound set of convictions and leadership qualities that propelled Simpson to establish a flourishing business from scratch and ascend to prominence as one of the foremost philanthropists in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hailing from a naval pilot background during World War II, he defied societal expectations by not completing his college education until over two decades after dropping out of UC Berkeley in 1946 to rescue his father's Emeryville-based window screens business from bankruptcy. Driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement, Simpson embarked on a journey of self-teaching, ultimately culminating in the founding of Simpson Manufacturing Co, Inc. in 1956.

From its modest beginnings as a small, artisanal enterprise specializing in the fabrication of metal connectors, Simpson Manufacturing Co, Inc. blossomed into a global, publicly traded corporation renowned throughout the construction industry for its production of over 4000 distinct, highly engineered products designed to connect structural elements in residential and commercial projects. At the heart of Simpson's business philosophy was a revolutionary set of principles that prioritized the well-being and development of his employees. Central to these principles was a compensation system that encompassed broad-based, quarterly profit-sharing, alongside comprehensive employee development and education programs that fostered internal hiring, enabling employees to embark on lifelong careers that saw them transition from hourly production line labor to management positions.

In a world where US companies are increasingly grappling with the interplay between capitalism and their responsibility to their employees and communities, Barclay Simpson's philosophy stands as a singular and profoundly relevant narrative within the American business landscape. Equally pertinent in these turbulent times is the story of how he successfully transferred his core business principles to his philanthropic endeavors, providing a powerful example of how entrepreneurial spirit and social consciousness can coexist harmoniously. Through his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Simpson has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals and communities, serving as a shining beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644283677